Brief Overview of Πάτμος (Strong’s G3963: Patmos)

Strong’s G3963: A small rocky island in the Aegean Sea, part of the Dodecanese group, where John received and wrote the Revelation. Notable as a Roman penal settlement and the location where God gave the final book of the New Testament. Historically significant for early Christianity.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πάτμος represents more than a geographical location; it symbolizes the intersection of divine revelation and human exile. As the site where John received the Revelation, it became a powerful symbol in early Christianity of how God can transform places of persecution into portals of divine revelation. The early church saw it as sacred ground, and today it continues to remind us that God’s purposes often unfold in unexpected places and circumstances.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Πάτμος, Patmos, [PAT-mos]
• Detailed pronunciation: PAT-moss
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun

Etymology:

• Origin uncertain
• Possibly from πάθος (suffering)
• May relate to πατέω (to tread)
• Ancient name preserved without change

D – Defining Meanings

• Island in the Aegean Sea
• Place of John’s exile
• Location of Revelation’s writing

For compound words: Not applicable as this is a proper noun

Translation Options:

• Patmos – Direct transliteration
• Isle of Patmos – Contextual clarification
• Patmos Island – Geographic specification

E – Exploring Similar Words

• νῆσος [nēsos, NAY-sos] – general word for island
• Κῶς [Kōs, KOHS] – nearby island
• Σάμος [Samos, SAH-mos] – similar island ending

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Proper Noun
• Second Declension
• Feminine Gender
• Nominative: Πάτμος
• Always appears in nominative form in NT
• Cross-references: Πάτμιος (Patmian, inhabitant of Patmos)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its significance as John’s exile location. Thayer’s notes its geographical position. LSJ provides historical context. Strong’s highlights its connection to Revelation. All lexicons agree on its importance in early Christian history.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos [Πάτμος] for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Revelation 1:9)

Additional References:
No other biblical references

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πάτμος reminds us that God’s revelation can come in places of exile and hardship. Just as John received the magnificent vision of Christ’s ultimate victory while in exile, the good news of Jesus continues to break through in unexpected places, transforming prisons into pulpits and persecution into proclamation.

D – Did You Know?

1. Patmos was known for its healing temple of Artemis before Christianity
2. The cave where John allegedly received his visions still exists
3. The island became a major Christian pilgrimage site by the 4th century

Strong’s G3963: A small rocky island in the Aegean Sea, part of the Dodecanese group, where John received and wrote the Revelation. Notable as a Roman penal settlement and the location where God gave the final book of the New Testament. Historically significant for early Christianity.

Part of speech: Proper Noun

Tags: #BiblicalPlaces #Revelation #JohnTheApostle #AegeanIslands #Exile #Apocalypse #BiblicalHistory #ChristianPilgrimage #Persecution #DivineRevelation #EarlyChurch​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​